The Devil's Bridge (Torcello)

Venice · Italy · Bridge

The witch Ester promised the devil seven children's souls. The debt was never paid — and every Christmas Eve a black cat waits on the bridge.

The parapetless stone bridge on Torcello is called the Devil's Bridge. The legend is set in the Austrian period: a Venetian girl of good family loved an Austrian officer, was cast out by her own people, and then learned the young man had been murdered. She went to a witch named Ester, who struck a bargain with the devil to reunite the two. The price was seven souls of children who had died too soon, and the debt was to be settled on the bridge on 24 December. Before Ester could pay she was murdered by someone who had witnessed the conjuring. The devil had kept his word but been cheated of his fee. Ever since, it is said that every Christmas Eve he appears on the bridge in the shape of a black cat, waiting for his seven souls.

FAQ

Where is The Devil's Bridge (Torcello) located?

The Devil's Bridge (Torcello) is in Venedig, Italy.

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Accounts are drawn from local folklore and visitor reports.